Service learning involves adolescent students in meaningful work within their community. This study examined the personal and educational motivations and expectations of 140 fifth through seventh graders from one middle school in New York City who were participating in a service learning program using the National Helper Network program model. This model stresses involvement in meaningful work within the community for at least 1 to 2 hours per week, linked with a weekly period of reflection involving preparation and planning, thoughtful discussion, and problem solving. Students completed the Student Service Learning Survey before and after participating in the program. Findings indicated that students ranked both personal and educational benefits of service learning as important. Girls consistently reported higher expectations for service learning than boys. Girls expected more positive personal growth such as learning to care for others, better understand people, and improve their community than did boys. Boys were more motivated by grades and course credit than were girls. Results suggest that the benefits of service learning may be increased with insight into student motivations and beliefs and with adequate preparation of students. (Contains 21 references.) (KB)

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